SARNIA – Staying home.
Ben Crombeen has officially committed to Head Coach Adam Lakey and the Lambton Men’s Soccer Program for the 2023 season, and beyond.
Crombeen is the first signing in the 2023 recruiting class for Lakey and company.
“I’m certainly excited and thankful for the opportunity to play for a great college and a great team,” said Crombeen. “Ever since I was a kid, it’s definitely been a goal of mine to go here.”
Crombeen, who was originally born in Germany before moving to Sarnia when he was three years old, has grown up in and around the soccer community of Sarnia-Lambton. Born and raised in Sarnia, he comes to Lambton College from St. Patrick’s High School, and the Lions have had their share of luck over the years when it comes to recruits choosing Lambton College after their high school years with the Fighting Irish.
For Lakey, landing a local player at a key position checks two big boxes when it comes to the construction of his roster for the Lions.
“I think it’s important to get local kids here, so bringing in Ben from Sarnia FC and getting him to stay home was important for me,” said Lakey. “Goalkeeper is a vital position and building from the back out is key, and in Ben we’re getting an athletic shot stopper who I’m excited to see continue to grow as we move forward.”
“I’ve been watching Ben play for a number of years, so getting him to commit to the program and be a foundational piece for the next couple of years is big for us.”
Crombeen has played with the Men’s Program with Sarnia FC over the last two seasons. Despite coming from the U18 program, having that experience at the higher level is something that Lakey thinks will help make Crombeen’s transition to the OCAA a bit easier come September.
For Crombeen, staying close to home for his collegiate experience was important on many levels. Crombeen had his mother and brother in attendance when he made his commitment official, and it was clear to see how much his family means to him.
Now, they will have the opportunity to watch Ben play at the collegiate level, and that’s an opportunity not lost on him.
“It’s very important to me,” added Crombeen. “I’d love to have my friends and family watch me play and go through this new adventure.”
While at Lambton College, Crombeen will be studying in the Electrical Power Distribution & Control Technician Program.
The Lions are coming off a 2022 season that saw the program advance to the post-season for the second time in the last three seasons. With several newcomers on last year’s roster having taken on key roles from the start of the year, the future is bright for the Lions heading into the 2023 season.
Depth at the goalkeeping spot was an area of focus for Lakey heading into the off-season, and with some uncertainty surrounding who may be back from last season’s roster, the addition of Crombeen to kick off the 2023 recruiting class is one that has the group excited for whatever lies ahead come September as they look to return to the post-season once more.
Welcome to The Den, Ben!